In order to keep human bodies healthy, cells have to continuously adjust to stress, such as DNA damage, nutrient deficiency and mechanical stress. Recently, the lamin family of cytoskeletal proteins have emerged as a key regulator of cell response to intrinsic and environmental stimuli. Lamins are the main architectural proteins of the nucleus and form a fibrous, highly stable meshwork underlying the inner nuclear membrane. The cell’s stress response triggers one of the lamin types, prelamin A, to accumulate, which affects important cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, DNA-replication, chromatin remodeling and senescence.

Fundamental knowledge on the lamin-dependent regulatory mechanism that controls DNA replication, and replication fork stalling leading to cell senescence, is still lacking. DNA replication is a process fundamental to all life, and lamins have been found to regulate DNA replication through local chromosome compaction and direct interaction with the replication proteins. Furthermore, during S phase, the nucleoplasmic distribution of lamins changes with altering patterns of DNA replication. This suggests an important role in the highly complex logistics of organizing the replication of a megabase genome distributed over dozens of chromosomes. In this project, we aim to obtain fundamental understanding of the lamin-regulated replication fork positioning and stalling which could greatly enhance our knowledge of pathogenic conditions underlying ageing and cancer.

We, the Geertsema lab, are an experimental biophysics lab employing fluorescent imaging techniques to improve understanding of cellular structures at the nanometer scale. As a recently started research group, we offer an interactive, supportive and collegial environment. We perform multidisciplinary research where we combine techniques from biophysics, microscopy, cell biology, biochemistry and protein engineering.

The Geertsema lab is embedded in the Imaging Physics Department of the TU Delft, which focuses on developing and implementing novel imaging technologies. The department features an inspiring, welcoming and pioneering environment for researchers that want to push the boundaries and implementation of current imaging systems.

We are seeking an outstanding experimental scientist with a strong interest in research at the interface of physics and biology. Research experience in fields such as biophysics, single-molecule techniques, optical microscopy, nanoscience or related is highly desired. We are looking for a team-player who can work independently and has a genuine interest in fundamental research.

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree, or approach its completion, in (bio)physics, biochemistry, engineering, nanoscience, or a closely related discipline
• Have excellent written and spoken English skills
• Thrive in an international and multidisciplinary team

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.